Barking Abbey. Fountains Abbey, 英國2座被亨利八世賣掉的教堂

 

Nigel Trevena

Early Photography and Film

16分鐘  · 

THE LOST GLIDING LADIES. Fountains Abbey, seen here in a photograph taken by Colonel H. W. Verschoyle on 4 July 1858, is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Sited 3 miles south-west of Ripon, Yorkshire, it was founded in 1132 and developed over 407 years into one of the greatest monasteries in history, a trading site, an educational centre, a spiritual focus, and an architectural marvel. Then, in 1539, by order of Henry VIII in his confrontation with Rome, Fountains Abbey was pillaged, sacked, raped.

In 1540, the site was sold to former Lord Mayor of London Sir John Gresham who set about destruction in earnest, stripping some of the fabric of the site (stone, timber, and lead) for sale as building materials to help defray the cost of purchase. In 1597 the site was acquired by Sir Stephen Proctor, who further vandalised the complex for stone to build his country pile, Fountains Hall.

But today, even in its ruined state, Fountains Abbey casts its spell: revered as one of England’s marvels, it is a Grade 1 Listed Building and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ladies may pass, but the site’s mysticism, nobility and ruined elegance endure.

Via:

The British Countryside 1850-1950 in vintage photographshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/966700963759669/?ref=share

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